Fireplace safety: Take steps to control sparks, smoke and ash

Arctic blasts across the country mean many wood-burning fireplaces — some of them long dormant — are being called into action.

Consider these safety and maintenance tips from experts at HGTV and Angie's List, which provides consumer reviews of service companies.

■ Wood-burning fireplaces and chimneys should be inspected annually, or after about 80 fires, by a certified chimney sweep.

■ Homes with fireplaces must have functioning carbon-monoxide detectors. "This is not negotiable — any fireplace or chimney that's not functioning perfectly can kill your family, either through fire or noxious fumes," said Mike Holmes of HGTV's Holmes on Homes.

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■ Before making a fire in a traditional fireplace, open the damper and crack open a window. Light a match, blow it out and watch the smoke to see whether it's properly going up the chimney, HGTV suggests.

■ Think twice about using the fireplace on gusty days, when opening a door can change room pressure enough to coat furniture with a layer of ash.

■ Place a non-flammable rug (available at fireplace-supply stores) in front of the fireplace so sparks won't damage your floor.

■ Don't burn a fire for longer than five hours.

■ To clean stains on glass doors: When the fireplace is cool, scrape off door deposits with a razor blade. Add liquid dishwashing detergent to a bucket of warm water, or a cup of vinegar to a gallon of water. Spray or sponge the cleaner on, then wipe away with newspaper. Or try glass cleaner from a fireplace store. Shine brass fireplace utensils with Worcestershire sauce and a toothbrush.

■ Fireplace coals can remain hot enough to start a fire for as long as three days, so wait at least that long before removing ashes, HGTV advises. Then, open the damper and crack a window so ash isn't drawn into the house. Wear a dust mask, and shovel ashes into a metal container; store it far from combustibles and wood floors. (Vacuuming ashes can leave you with a bigger mess.) During fireplace season, leave about an inch of ash at the bottom of the fireplace to act as insulation for your next fire.

■ Most wood-burning fireplaces can be converted to gas, Holmes said. Gas inserts are gaining popularity. "They are clean, safe, easy to use and install. I love them — I've got one myself," Holmes said. "Wood fireplaces are a lot of work, and wood can be expensive if you live in a city."

■ With gas logs, Hicks said, the flue will need cleaning probably only once a decade.